What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, also called “therapy, “talk therapy,” or my favorite, “checkup from the neck up,” involves working with a trained mental health professional to resolve behavioral issues, relationship issues, somatic (related to physical symptoms) problems, or troubling beliefs and feelings. 

Psychotherapy focuses not only on your issues and problem, but also on your process; that is, how you share your experiences and feelings. The therapeutic alliance is considered essential to this process, and your therapist should be one who is non-judgmental, caring, empathic, compassionate, and competent. 

If I see a psychotherapist, does that mean I'm psycho?

Absolutely NOT! In fact, seeing a psychotherapist is a sign of health; it means that you know how to take care of yourself. It means that you are not suffering in silence. It means that you are human. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help, especially when the person you are reaching out to is unknown to you. Sometimes, there is a tendency to place stigma on us when we ask for help, and that can cause us to feel shame. But seeing a psychotherapist is one of the healthiest, compassionate gifts that you can give to yourself . . . You deserve it! I applaud your courage!

How can psychotherapy benefit me? 

By engaging in psychotherapy, you will come away with coping skills and tools to help you to deal with life’s challenges. You may decrease or eliminate dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors and improve relational patterns. You may also resolve painful emotions like depression and anxiety and improve your overall functioning.  Psychotherapy also supports personal growth, helping you to increase insight and self-awareness so that you can move more freely in the world, living the life that you are called to live. Through psychotherapy, you can improve your overall functioning and improve your quality of life. 

What can I expect during my first session?

Your heart is racing . . . your hands are sweaty. You made it to waiting room. Your mind is racing, "Why am I even here?" "What is wrong with me?" "This is stupid!" "What was I thinking?" "I'm not about to open up to this total stranger . . . " "This is soooooo embarrassing!" These are common thoughts and feelings about entering psychotherapy. BREATHE

• You can expect that your therapist will understand how you feel, be nonjudgmental, be compassionate and empathic, and listen to you.
• During your first session, you can also expect to complete or review intake documentation so that your therapist will have a sense of what brings you to treatment. Expect to spend about 90 minutes during this initial information-gathering, relationship-building phase of treatment.
• Your therapist will offer diagnostic impressions and suggest a course of treatment. You can decide whether to continue with treatment/this therapist. You do not have to make a decision on the spot. If needed, take some time for discernment and get back to the therapist when you have made your decision.